WWE issues new statement.
Following WWE Crown Jewel on Oct. 31, WWE talent was attempting to leave Saudi Arabia when many were stranded due to reported mechanical issues with the plane. In the days following the travel issues, many speculated that there was a disagreement between Vince McMahon and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman over money, which could have played a part in WWE talent being stranded in Saudi. According to the speculation, McMahon and WWE were still owed money by the Saudi government for past WWE events in the country. Having yet to receive the money, McMahon cut the Saudi feed of Crown Jewel, causing the show to air on a delay. Nothing has been confirmed in regards to the dispute between the two parties and whether it played a part in the subsequent events.
In a statement issued to Forbes, WWE reiterated that "mechanical issues" were the reason for talent being delayed, and any feed issues were unrelated to any payment dispute.
"We have a good relationship with our partners, and the feed issues were unrelated to anything of that nature [payment dispute]. We've been public with mechanical issues, the charter company has as well"
Atlas Air apologized for the delay, citing mechanical issues as well. You can view their statement by clicking here.
AJ Styles commented on the mechanical issues and speculation of a dispute between McMahon and the Crown Prince. You can read what he had to say by clicking here.
